Cedric Morris

Cedric Morris was a renowned Welsh artist and horticulturist, known for his vibrant landscape paintings and his extensive collection of irises. He was a prominent figure in the London Group and the Seven and Five Society, alongside artists such as Winston Churchill, Ben Nicholson, and Henry Moore. Morris's artistic style was influenced by his travels to France, Spain, and North Africa, where he was exposed to the works of Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse. His horticultural pursuits led him to become a respected iris breeder, and his garden at Benton End was a popular destination for Royal Horticultural Society members, including Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville-West.

● Early Life and Education

Cedric Morris was born in Swansea in 1889, to a family of Anglican clergy. He was educated at Carmarthen, where he developed an interest in art and horticulture. Morris went on to study at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he was taught by Henry Tonks and Philip Wilson Steer. During his time at the Slade School, Morris became friends with fellow artists Stanley Spencer and Mark Gertler, and was introduced to the works of Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Edvard Munch. He also visited the National Gallery, London, where he was inspired by the works of J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Claude Monet.

● Artistic Career

Morris's artistic career spanned over six decades, during which he exhibited his work at numerous galleries, including the Tate Britain, the National Gallery of Wales, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was a member of the London Group and the Seven and Five Society, and was influenced by the works of Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Piet Mondrian. Morris's paintings were also exhibited at the Salon d'Automne in Paris, where he was introduced to the works of André Derain, Maurice de Vlaminck, and Kees van Dongen. He was also friends with artists such as Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell, and Roger Fry, who were all associated with the Bloomsbury Group.

● Horticultural Career

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Morris was a respected horticulturist and iris breeder. He established a garden at Benton End, which became a popular destination for Royal Horticultural Society members, including Gertrude Jekyll and Vita Sackville-West. Morris was also a member of the Iris Society and the Royal Horticultural Society, and was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour for his contributions to horticulture. He was also friends with horticulturists such as William Robinson and Nancy Lindsay, who shared his passion for gardening and botany. Morris's garden at Benton End featured a wide range of plants, including roses, lilies, and clematis, which were inspired by the gardens of Versailles, Fontainebleau, and Kew Gardens.

● Personal Life

Morris was known for his charismatic personality and his love of travel and adventure. He was a close friend of artists such as Ben Nicholson and Henry Moore, and was also friends with writers such as E.M. Forster and Virginia Woolf. Morris was also a talented musician and cook, and was known for his love of French cuisine and Italian cuisine. He was also a frequent visitor to the Soho district of London, where he would meet with friends such as Wyndham Lewis and Ezra Pound at the Café Royal. Morris's personal life was also influenced by his relationships with Arthur Lett-Haines and Francis Bacon, who were both associated with the London art scene.

● Legacy

Cedric Morris's legacy is still celebrated today, with his paintings and irises continuing to inspire artists and horticulturists around the world. His garden at Benton End is still open to the public, and features a wide range of plants, including roses, lilies, and clematis. Morris's artistic style has influenced a wide range of artists, including David Hockney, Howard Hodgkin, and Bridget Riley. His horticultural pursuits have also inspired a new generation of gardening enthusiasts, including Monty Don and Alan Titchmarsh. Morris's life and work have been the subject of numerous exhibitions and publications, including a major retrospective at the Tate Britain and a biography by Hugh Stretton. Category:Welsh artists